Aston Villa remain interested in Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix… as Moussa Diaby nears £51m exit to Saudi Arabia

Aston Villa maintain interest in Joao Felix of Atletico Madrid if an affordable package can be reached and the Portuguese convinced to make the switch.

Felix’s future remains up in the air after he spent last season on-loan at Barcelona and was keen to secure a permanent move to the Nou Camp.

However, Barcelona’s difficult financial situation means they have so far struggled to come up with an acceptable package for Felix and prompting Villa to try and negotiate a deal.

The attacker – who previously spent half a season on-loan at Chelsea – is due to return to Atletico for pre-season training on July 26 after representing Portugal at Euro 2024.

Atletico want his future sorted before then after the player previously fell out with manager Diego Simeone and the club’s fanbase but want a permanent exit rather than another temporary move.

Aston Villa maintain interest in Joao Felix of Atletico Madrid if an affordable package can be reached

Villa boss Unai Emery (left) is keen to add further reinforcements to his side while Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone (right) wants Felix’s future sorted

Felix’s future remains up in the air after he spent last season on-loan at Barcelona

The LaLiga giants will have to accept they will make a loss on the 24-year-old who they previously splashed out £114m on when he joined from Benfica five years ago.

It is believed Atletico have placed a £50m valuation on Felix with Villa weighing up whether to submit a formal offer for the forward who was once regarded as Europe’s brightest young prospect.

The player is also yet to decide on his next move but could be convinced to make the switch to Villa Park given Unai Emery’s side place in the Champions League.

Villa are expected to finalise the sale of Moussa Diaby to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad

Meanwhile, Villa are expected to finalise the sale of Moussa Diaby to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad in a deal worth around £51m as the club cashed in on an offer from the Middle Eastern side.

Diaby made 54 appearances for Villa across all competitions and scored 10 goals, while he provided nine assists in an impressive debut season.

Villa look to have already spent the money they will receive for that transfer on Amadou Onana after announcing the Belgium midfielder’s capture.

Onana has signed a long term contract following his £50m switch and the deal will include add-ons and a sell-on clause.